Faculty and staff from the Health Science Center, University Health System and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System are teaming up this year for the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual “Bike to the Beach.” The team, called the Med Center Spinners, is inviting bicyclists of all levels to participate in the event that will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Each October, cyclists make the two-day bike ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi and more than 4,000 cyclists are expected to participate this year.
“The event is not a race,” said Adelita Cantu, M.S., R.N., clinical instructor of family nursing and Health Science Center recruiter for the Med Center Spinners. “However, cyclists are encouraged to start training now.” Med Center Spinners training sessions have already begun and take place Friday evenings.
“This is the perfect way to practice preventative health care,” Cantu said. “The training sessions begin at a low pace and gradually increase in mileage and difficulty. Training with someone will provide more motivation. Group meetings are also available every two weeks to discuss safety precautions and to learn more about the event.”
Cantu said the ride to Corpus Christi is divided into two sections. The first section, 83 miles, takes the cyclists to Beeville and cyclists will stay overnight at the Coastal Bend College campus.
“We travel along Highway 181 and have rest stops every 10 to 12 miles,” she said. “The rest stops are loaded with food, fun and conversation.”
Section two is a 60 mile ride from Beeville to Corpus Christi, ending at the Lexington Museum. Bike riders can relax and listen to music, eat and have fun as they celebrate their arrival.
“The bike ride is more feasible than you may think. The training sessions will fully prepare you both physically and mentally. I’ve participated in this event for six years and I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I’ve completed the ride,” Cantu said.
For more information about the training sessions or to join the Med Center Spinners, contact Cantu:
cantua2@uthscsa.edu.
